September 12, 2008

Chennai Elevated ExpressWay - Port to Madhuravoyal

The Government of India, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highwayshas proposed to construct an Elevated Expressway from Chennai Port to Maduravoyaland included it in the NHDP Phase-VII. This Elevated Expressway was originallyproposed to be constructed from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal along the banks ofCooum River. The Government have also in the G.O read above, granted in principalapproval to the NHAI for using one side of the Cooum River as per site conditions forconstruction of the Elevated Expressway subject to certain conditions. But now, theNHAI has proposed to change the alignment in such a way that the ElevatedExpressway would pass-over the existing Poonamallee High Road from Maduravoyal toKoyambedu and then go along Cooum River. The estimates of the project have beenworked out at Rs.1468 crores including the R&R and LA components amounting toRs.345 crores. The NHAI has therefore requested to issue an appropriate amendmentto the G.O read above. The Chairman, Chennai Port Trust has requested the consentof the State Government to share the cost of Land Acquisition and R&R on the basis of50:50 between Chennai Port Trust and Government of Tamil Nadu. He has alsorequested the State Government's support for shifting of utilities, erection ofencroachments etc.